Douglas Shire Farming History

In 2009, Mr Ken Keith moved to the Douglas district and quickly became fascinated with the local history.  This led to a project with two fellow Douglas Shire Historical Society members, John Anich and Belinda Peters, to document the old farming equipment that still exist on local farms.  The trio soon had so much information that they decided to put it into print.  Now after years of research, Ken has released his book,'Cattle, Cane and Cedar; Early farming in the Douglas Shire.'  This story follows the progression of local farming from horse-drawn implements to the increasing powerful tractors and agricultural machinery of more modem times.  The new book also tells the story of the pioneers who struggled or thrived from the 1870's to the 1960's and highlights the farming families who are still on the land in the district.  These rural industries are a part of the cultural heritage of the Shire and the authors tried to cover the whole region from Wangetti in the south up to the Bloomfield River in the north.  It also touch on the attempts to produce crops like cereals, coffee, coconuts and even rubber in this district.  Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu recently officiated at the launch of the book at a small event at the Mossman Library.  It can be purchased through the Douglas Shire Historical Society and local booksellers.